Productivity and Biometric Characteristics of 11 Varieties of Willow Cultivated on Marginal Soil

Abstract

In response to the growth in the global population and climate change concerns, questions remain regarding the adaptation of production systems to meet increasing food and energy demands. The aim of the paper is to present the production potential and biometric features of 11 willow varieties bred and cultivated mainly in Europe. The experiment was set up on marginal soil. The research was conducted in 2016–2020 and concerned 11 varieties of willow harvested in a three-year cycle. The dry matter yield of the examined willow varieties ranged from 6.5 to 13.8 Mg ha−1 year−1. Varieties Tur, Sven, Olof, Torhild, and Tordis were characterized by a relatively low level of yield (7.2–8.2 Mg ha−1 year−1). The highest dry matter yield was obtained for the varieties Ekotur and Żubr, respectively, of 11.5 and 13.8 Mg ha−1 year−1. The assessed varieties differed in both the level of obtained dry matter yield and biometric features. The Żubr variety produced the smallest number of shoots (three), but with the greatest height (4.8 m) and diameter (29.6 mm). Varieties with high production potential develop fewer shoots, but are taller and have a larger diameter than other varieties.

Primary Growth Effect of Salix viminalis L. CV. Inger and Tordis in Controlled Conditions by Exploring Optimum Cutting Lengths and Rhizogenesis Treatments

“…Only 10 presented information related to both clones, while 14 were associated with Inger and 18 with Tordis. Most research was focused on yield, dry biomass, management, and fertilizers in field conditions [50,[82][83][84][85][86][87], and there were only a few studies on harsh conditions [31,37,38,[88][89][90][91]. In both contexts, a short pre-field experiment was useful to establish and promote the rhizogenesis potential of willow clones by recreating the nutritional conditions of the planting site and recording the plant growth and development parameters.…”

“…Many studies have been carried out on various willow hybrids [26][27][28][29][30][31]. In Romania, and at an international level, several problems with rooting, attachment, and the juvenile stages of willow cuttings were highlighted [32][33][34].…”

Solid Biomass Energy Potential as a Development Opportunity for Rural Communities

“…It requires the minimum amount of nutrients and its cultivation is perceived as an advantageous way to use soils of low usability for food crop growing [60]. Willow can be grown on many types of agricultural land as it is highly tolerant of environmental conditions, with wetlands being preferred for this purpose [61][62][63]. Szczukowski et al [64] demonstrated the potential for willow biomass production on excessively damp soil with a high groundwater table level.…”

Characteristics and Changes in the Properties of Cereal and Rapeseed Straw Used as Energy Feedstock

“…The food processing industry is also a source of biomass for energy generation, both as solid biofuels and feedstock for biogas production. Agriculture can also provide solid biofuels from plantations of perennial industrial crops, which is particularly interesting when such plantations are set up on marginal soil [7][8][9][10][11]. However, straw is now the main type of solid biomass derived from agriculture.…”